"Not against a move": Insider speculates Mitch Marner's stance on his future in Toronto, names best suitors 

By Arnab Mondal

Modified May 20, 2024 03:26 GMT

It appears that the pressure of playing in a hockey-c͏razed market, especially one located in his ͏home provin͏ce, may have finally become too much for Toronto Maple Leafs͏ star forward Mitch Marner to handle. Since the Maple Leafs' elimin͏ation i͏n Game 7 by the Boston Bruins, questions regarding M͏arner's future in Tor͏onto have intensified, with indications suggesting Marner͏ himself might we͏lcome a change.

Marn͏er has been a target of criticism from ͏fans and pundits alike due to his underwhelming performances in the Stanley Cup play͏offs, ͏which seem to have taken a toll ͏on the young forwar͏d after years under the Toronto spotlight.

On Sunday, NHL Network's Steve Kouleas revealed that discussions around Marner's future have shifted significantly since the season ended.

"When he finished the dressing room cleanout... my answer would have been no just as a gut feeling," Kouleas began. "But people talk, especially here in the self-proclaimed center of the hockey universe... what the insiders are saying is that Mitch is not against a move."

Kouleas speculated on the possible reasons behind Marner's openness to leaving Toronto.

"Maybe he thinks it's time, maybe there's a place where he can go and hide if you wanna look at it that way," he suggested.

Highlighting a contrast between Mitch Marner and Maple Leafs captain John Tavares, Kouleas noted that while Tavares has flatly refused to waive his no-movement clause, Marner seems more open to the idea.

"It wasn't an emphatic no way," Kouleas said of Marner's stance. "With Mitch... the buzz is not against a move, not saying no. Where this leads? I don't know but it's so exciting."

As speculation mounts, it remains to be seen whether Marner will indeed seek a fresh start away from Toronto.

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Exploring Trade Scenarios for Mitch Marner

With the Toronto Maple Leafs exiting the playoffs early for the seventh time in eight seasons, GM Brad Treliving may look to break up the core. Mitch Marner, 27, is the prime candidate for a move despite his full no-move clause.

Here are four realistic trade packages for Marner, considering salary cap (as per CapFriendly) implications:

#1 Chicago Blackhawks

Toronto Gets: Oliver Moore (C), Kevin Korchinski (D), 2024 first-rounder (TBL, No. 20)

Chicago adds Marner alongside Connor Bedard, potentially creating McDavid-Draisaitl-like chemistry. Toronto gains Oliver Moore, a fast and agile center, and Kevin Korchinski, a promising defenseman with a $918,000 cap hit. The inclusion of the Lightning's first-rounder makes the deal feasible. Chicago has ample cap space to absorb Marner's $10.9 million AAV.

#2 Vegas Golden Knights

Toronto Gets: Shea Theodore (D), 2024 first-rounder

Vegas, known for cap maneuvers, could fit Marner in. Shea Theodore, with a $5.2 million cap hit, bolsters Toronto's defense while creating cap space. The Leafs also get a first-round pick, allowing them to develop prospects like Easton Cowan or Fraser Minten. Golden Knights might need additional moves to fit Marner but have shown flexibility with the cap.

#3 Utah (formerly Arizona Coyotes)

Toronto Gets: Alex Kerfoot (C/LW), Maveric Lamoureux (D), 2024 second-rounder

Utah makes a splash in its first season by acquiring Mitch Marner. Toronto reunites with Alex Kerfoot, providing a familiar face at a lower-cap hit. They also gain Maveric Lamoureux, a raw but high-ceiling prospect, and a valuable second-round pick. Utah has cap flexibility to take on Marner's contract.

#4 New Jersey Devils

Toronto Gets: John Marino (D), 2025 first-rounder

New Jersey boosts its offense by pairing Mitch Marner with Nico Hischier. Toronto receives John Marino, an effective defensive defenseman with a $4.4 million cap hit, and a 2025 first-round pick, adding future draft capital. Marino's potential bounce-back performance makes him a valuable addition to the Leafs. New Jersey's existing long-term deals give them cap room to accommodate Marner's salary.